The Ultimate Guide to Working in Barcelona

Barcelona is a digital hub replete with revelatory creators, innovative thinkers and a thriving international scene.

Based on Spain’s northeastern coastline, this city is brimming with opportunities for all types of aspiring expats. Whether you’re looking to move abroad and establish yourself near the beach, the misty mountain tops, or the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, Barcelona boasts the best of everything. This Catalonian gem harbours ample start-ups, freelancers, entrepreneurs, short-term and long-term jobs, and many chances to develop your career and further your skills too.

If you’re wondering what it’s really like to work and live in Barcelona, here’s everything you need to know about the job market, paperwork, work culture, self-employment, and overall expat life. Look no further for the ultimate insider’s guide to working in Barcelona, Spain.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• Working in Barcelona

• Job Culture in Barcelona

• Finding a Job in Barcelona

• Self-Employment in Barcelona

• Coworking Spaces in Barcelona

• 6 Reasons to Work in Barcelona

• FAQs

Working in Barcelona

Job seekers are spoilt for choice here in Barcelona, with many diverse options up for grabs. The city boasts plentiful possibilities for those who speak Spanish, Catalan, English and French, along with major international firms offering sound contracts for these languages.

There’s lots of seasonal, casual, and short-term work available in the hospitality sector, with high season honing in the need for more restaurant, bar, and hotel workers. English teaching, call centres, babysitting and au-pair jobs offer English-speaking ex-pats a chance to dip their toes in the water with some temporary work too. 

With the broad expanse of start-ups, there’s plenty of demand for editors, translators, and management roles. Skilled technicians, customer representatives and the IT industry are also popping up.

Working in Spain is also great for those interested in automobiles, appliance manufacturing, and banking, the city’s biggest industries.

Websites like Jobs in Barcelona, Job Today, and Indeed have plenty of things available, especially during the high season (May to October).

Job Culture in Barcelona

Spain does something that differs from the array of its European neighbours…

Working in Barcelona offers you a chance to sink into a new schedule, with most jobs having a long lunch break (some of those lasting between 3 and 4 hours).

Locally known as horario partido, the time can be taken to your advantage – enjoying some specialty coffee, having a siesta, going out for tapas, taking a Spanish class, getting your heart rate up in the gym, or hitting up one of the many free things to do.

Compared to other bustling cities like Melbourne, Paris or London, this type of schedule offers a stellar work-life balance. 

Finding a Job in Barcelona

If you’re from the European Union or Switzerland, you can easily get a job in Barcelona without having to apply for a Spanish work permit. Others are legally required to apply for a valid work visa and additionally obtain an official work contract.

The contract then provides you with healthcare, education, and pension opportunities. Once you’re eligible to work in Barcelona, you can start to consider what type of work you’re looking for and begin to hunt online.

Finding a job recruiter can also help speed up the process. Preparing a stellar CV, brushing up on some basic Spanish skills, and preparing to begin interviewing are essential. This way, you’ll be ready to roll!

Self-Employment in Barcelona

Freelancers in Spain, locally known as autonomo, run the scene here. But with surprisingly expensive self-employment fees, it’s not exactly all that affordable.

New freelancers can get by simply paying €60 per month, but after the first two years pass, you’ll be expected to pay €300.

If you plan on freelancing in Spain, getting a gestor (accountant) is essential because the paperwork can get confusing.

Coworking Spaces in Barcelona

Barcelona is home to a wide variety of laptop-friendly cafes and coworking spaces. Next to each and every barrio (neighbourhood) has some sort of trendy space, teeming with opportunities to traipse around and meet other like-minded expats. Depending on your preferences regarding price, location, and facilities, you can read more about the best on offer here.

6 Reasons to Work in Barcelona

There’s an entire realm of reasons to work in Barcelona, but here are six simple points.

1. The city’s public transport system is accessible, affordable and runs frequently. Learn how to navigate the network of options available in this in-depth guide to Getting Around Barcelona.

2. Barcelona is a creator’s hub. The city hosts year-round creative activities and events that offer up to 130,000 jobs per year. From thrift store pop-ups and food festivals to neighbourhood parties and cinema-based beach events, there is something to satisfy everyone.

3. Located on the cusp of the beachfront and backed by mountain tops, the city offers the best of both worlds. Hiking, snorkelling, and adventure are always one foot around the corner. Day trips out to Tarragona or Girona are among the most popular, making the city even more enticing for those who love to get outdoors.

4. It’s an iconic, international hub. Beneath the buzzing tourist scene's depths is a rather rowdy crowd of expats. You’ll find people from every walk of life here in Barcelona.

5. Barcelona is home to two of the top five business schools in all of Europe. So if you’re interested in high-quality education in business and law, look no further.

6. The lifestyle here really can’t be beaten. Topped with an awe-worthy gastronomy scene, rich history, warm climate, bliss-inducing beaches, sprawling sports and cultural events, and jaw-dropping architecture, there’s something for everyone. The inventory of pleasurable pursuits will whisk you into a state of inspiration.

FAQs

Is it easy to find a job in Barcelona?

Depending on the field you’re interested in, getting a decent job in Barcelona requires patience, time, and, sometimes, money. It’s advised to start the job hunt well before you leave your country and begin to learn some Spanish-speaking skills for the inevitable interview process. Compared to other cities in Spain, finding a job as an expat can be relatively more straightforward.  

Can you work in Barcelona without speaking Spanish?

The short answer is yes, you can. But once again, it depends on the type of job you’re searching for. Getting by daily with only English is relatively hassle-free; however, most jobs will require at least a basic level of Spanish (Castellano).

What jobs are in high demand in Barcelona?

According to recent data, the highest-demand jobs are Sales, Engineering, Technology, Marketing, Administration, and Finance.

What’s the cost of living in Barcelona?

The cost will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle preferences, living expenses, and income. Check out this comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about the cost of living in Barcelona.

Is it worth living in Barcelona?

100% yes. This city has enticing elements, from the blissful weather and beautiful beaches to the delectable food and history-ridden streets.  

How hard is it to get a job in Barcelona?

Depending on the field, getting a job in Barcelona can be difficult and easy. If you’re an expat looking for hospitality work, it’s expected that you’re nearly fluent in Spanish and have a basic understanding of Catalan.

What do you need to work in Barcelona?

To work in Spain, you’ll need a work visa. Firstly, a company or employer must hire you first, and then they, or your lawyer, can arrange a work permit. This is done through the Dirección Provincial de Trabajo, Seguridad Social and Asuntos Sociales.

What are the working hours in Barcelona?

Typically, Barcelona operates on horario partido, a ‘split shift’. You can expect this kind of working hours if you’re in the hospitality or retail sector. Otherwise, with a regular office job, you can enjoy similar working hours but without a 2 to 3 hour break in the middle.

What is a typical workday in Spain?

In Spain, an average workday goes from 9 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. With the famous ‘siesta’ in between, this break is when school kids, families and colleagues use the time to eat or catch up on sleep.

Working in Barcelona offers an eclectic expanse of opportunities for growth, networking, and expanding your skill set. Along with the evident spectrum of beautiful things to do and see throughout the city, the wide variety of jobs offers something to appease everybody. 

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